Overview
Tokai Daini is a 1,100 MW nuclear power plant operated by Japan Atomic Power Co. in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. It is an operational facility contributing to the country's baseload electricity generation.
Tokai Daini is a nuclear power plant located in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, with a capacity of 1,100 MW. Operated by Japan Atomic Power Co., it is one of the country's significant nuclear facilities, providing stable baseload power to the grid. The plant is situated on the Pacific coast, reflecting the typical siting of nuclear plants for cooling water access. As a nuclear facility, Tokai Daini operates under Japan's stringent nuclear regulatory framework, overseen by the Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA). The plant uses light water reactor technology, common in Japan, and underwent safety upgrades following the Fukushima Daiichi accident to meet new regulatory standards. Its capacity places it in the medium-to-large scale for nuclear plants globally. Environmentally, nuclear power generation produces no direct CO2, SOx, or NOx emissions during operation, making it a low-carbon energy source. However, the plant's location in a seismically active region necessitates robust safety measures. Tokai Daini plays a key role in Japan's energy mix, supporting grid stability and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Environmental context
Nuclear power plants like Tokai Daini have a low operational carbon footprint, emitting no greenhouse gases during electricity generation. However, the plant's coastal location in a seismically active region requires rigorous safety protocols to mitigate risks from natural disasters. The facility's cooling system uses seawater, which can have localized thermal effects on marine ecosystems. Spent fuel management and decommissioning are long-term environmental considerations for nuclear facilities.
Frequently asked questions
Tokai Daini is located in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, on the Pacific coast. The plant's coordinates are approximately 36.42° N, 140.60° E.
Tokai Daini has a net capacity of 1,100 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-to-large scale nuclear power plant.
Tokai Daini is operated by Japan Atomic Power Co., a Japanese nuclear power generation company.
Nuclear plants in Japan are regulated by the Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA), which enforces safety standards based on international guidelines, including post-Fukushima upgrades.
Nuclear power generation produces no direct carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, or nitrogen oxide emissions, contributing to low-carbon electricity and improved air quality compared to fossil fuel plants.